Devil’s Advocate director Taylor Hackford has been tapped for the English-language biopic Merchant of Shanghai, Variety reports.

The story follows opium dealer and property magnate Silas Hardoon, a 19th century Baghdad Jew immigrated to Shanghai, become a kingpin in the opium trade. He also helped transform Shangai from an obscure place to a major international city.

The script is being rewritten by Timothy J. Sexton. Shooting is set to begin in Fall 2009.